Regarded as one of the top defensive players in LSU football history, Northern participated in the 1995 Senior Bowl and was a two-time First Team All-SEC and All-Academic Selection.

As a result of his stellar play on the gridiron, Northern was selected in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.  Rotating between linebacker and the defensive line, Northern played four years with the Bills and also spent time in Pittsburgh and Minnesota in 2000.  As a Minnesota Viking, Northern had a hand in leading them to an NFC Central Championship and a divisional round appearance in the NFC Playoffs.